Introduction
Plant refers to the larger mechanical pieces of machinery which may be used on-site, such as a tower lift or compressor.
The term equipment describes the smaller non-mechanical tools such as ladders and wheelbarrows.
Plant and equipment requirements are usually determined at the estimating stage of the project and/or when the project schedule is prepared. These requirements can also be determined when the sub-contractors' groups are organised or when the type of work is planned.
The usual procedure for hiring single equipment items such as jackhammers is to phone around the local hire companies for quotes. In some cases, a preferred supplier may be used.
Plant hire is often done in the same way by ringing around. Alternatively this can be part of the quoting process and the price for plant includes the operator.
Sometimes the price quoted involves the additional cost of getting the plant on and off the site. For example, it can cost $400 to bring a bobcat on-site and another $400 to take it from the site.